Healthy Guacamole Recipe
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure.There’s nothing I enjoy more than making my Healthy Guacamole Recipe in just 15 minutes. I serve it as a topping for my tacos, nachos, and enchiladas. The best part is that my low-calorie guac is both vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy.
I created this healthy guacamole because avocados, the star ingredient, are packed with health benefits, making guacamole not just delicious but also a nutritious choice. For a simpler option, check out my avocado puree recipe, it’s perfect for little ones or as a base for other dishes.
Store-bought guacamole might seem convenient, but it often comes with unwanted extras like added sugars, unhealthy fats, too much sodium, or preservatives. That’s why I always say, skip the pre-made stuff and make your own at home!
👩🏽🍳 Why I Love This Recipe
To be honest, I don’t know a single person in my life who doesn’t love guacamole, it’s just that good! It’s one of those universal dishes that brings everyone together. Whether it’s me, my family, or my friends, guacamole always makes us happy as we gather around the table, sharing stories and enjoying each other’s company. And I’m sure you’ll agree with me!
After my last family trip to Mexico, I was inspired to create a healthier guacamole recipe. With my family and friends being so health-conscious, I felt like I just had to come up with a version that we could all enjoy guilt-free! My healthy guac starts with a classic base, then gets a flavor boost from chipotle peppers, citrus juices, and spices like cumin, coriander, and chili powder. I also love adding tomatoes for extra acidity, but I always seed them first to keep the guac from getting watery.
Guacamole is one of my all-time favorite dips, I love its creamy texture, bold flavor, and how versatile it is. Once, I even tried guacamole with balsamic vinegar and goat cheese, and it was incredible. When I make guacamole at home, I like to pair it with a big batch of fresh lemonade for my kids, they can’t get enough of it, and it’s their favorite treat to enjoy with a bowl of chips. I can’t wait for you to try it! 🙂
🥘 Ingredients
The classic guacamole recipe starts with simple ingredients like avocados, onions, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. My healthy guacamole takes it up a notch with extra spices and a bit more heat for a fun twist on the traditional version.
Ripe Avocados: I always choose avocados with a little give when pressed, they’re perfectly creamy and blend beautifully with the other ingredients.
Chipotle Peppers: I like using chipotle peppers for a smoky heat, but you can swap them for jalapeños or skip them altogether if you prefer less spice.
Onion & Tomato: Finely diced red or white onion and seeded roma tomatoes are my go-to for their great flavor and texture.
Lemon and Lime Juice: I use both lemon and lime juice for a mix of acidity and tartness, but you can use just one if that’s all you have, it’ll still taste amazing.
Spices: Fresh cilantro, cumin, coriander, chili powder, cayenne, and sea salt add the perfect warmth and kick to this delicious dip.
🥑 How To Make
My low-calorie guacamole recipe comes together in just 15 minutes. Here’s how to make it in two simple steps.
Mix & Mash: I cut the avocados open, remove the pits, and scoop the pulp into a large bowl. I mash it coarsely with a fork, then finely chop the onion, chipotle peppers, tomatoes, and cilantro, and add them in. Finally, I squeeze fresh lemon and lime juice over the top, sprinkle in the spices, and mix everything together until it’s perfectly combined.
Season & Serve: I season the guacamole with a little salt and cayenne pepper to taste, adjusting until it’s just right. Then, I serve it up immediately with my favorite dippers, fresh veggies, tortilla chips, or even pita bread.
💭 Expert Tips
My #1 Secret Tip for making my healthy guacamole is to always use ripe avocados. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to rush it with under-ripe ones, and the guac just didn’t turn out right! Now, I make sure they’re perfectly soft to the touch, and if they’re not ready, I let them ripen in a paper bag, it’s the key to that creamy, delicious texture we all love.
Other Tips To Keep In Mind:
- Use Fresh Citrus Juice: I always go for fresh lime and lemon juice, it makes all the difference in flavor. Bottled versions just don’t compare when it comes to making great guac.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, skip the chipotle or cayenne, or use just a little for a mild kick. When I make this for kids, I leave out the spice altogether.
- Adjust the Texture: Whether you like it smooth or chunky, mash the guac to your preferred consistency. I sometimes use a food processor, but I’m careful not to overdo it so it doesn’t turn into puree.
- Seed the Tomatoes: I always seed my tomatoes before dicing to avoid watery guac. It’s a simple step that keeps the texture just right.
📖 Variations
Guacamole is one of my favorite things to make because it’s so versatile and easy to customize. Here are some of my favorite ways to switch up my healthy guacamole recipe.
Add Fruit: I love adding diced mango, pineapple, or fresh pomegranate seeds for a sweet and tangy twist. They pair beautifully with the creamy avocado.
Add Veggies: Roasted corn, bell peppers, or even diced cucumber make great mix-ins. They add crunch, color, and extra veggies to the guac.
Add Cheese: Crumbled feta or cotija cheese bring a salty, savory kick. It’s a delicious way to elevate the flavor.
Add More Heat: If you like it spicier, try adding hot sauce, sriracha, or diced jalapeños. It’s an easy way to turn up the heat.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
My personal favorite way to enjoy this healthy guacamole recipe is with my homemade tortilla chips. Here are some other fun and delicious ways I love to use this low-calorie guacamole.
As a Topping for Mexican Food: I love using guacamole as a topping for vegan tacos, and of course with my enchiladas. It’s also amazing with a fajita bowl, or my taco casserole.
As a Dip for Veggies: Guac makes the perfect dip for fresh veggies like carrots, celery, cucumber, radishes, or sugar snap peas. It’s a healthy and delicious snack!
On Avocado Toast: I swap sliced avocado for guacamole on toast with egg and tomato. It adds even more flavor and creaminess to this classic favorite.
With Other Dishes: I enjoy guac with whole wheat pita, on my healthy baked potato, or as a spread for sandwiches. It’s so versatile and tasty.
🫙 Storage Directions
Refrigeration: Guacamole is best enjoyed fresh, but it can be stored in the fridge for 24-48 hours if done properly. I transfer any leftovers to an airtight container, squeeze a little lime juice over the top, and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to minimize air exposure.
Freezing: Guacamole isn’t ideal for freezing as the texture can change, but if needed, I recommend freezing just the mashed avocado base without any add-ins and adding the extras fresh when ready to serve.
❓ Recipe FAQs
Is guacamole good for you?
As a nutritionist, I can confidently say my guacamole recipe is a healthy choice packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. It’s full of antioxidants that help with immunity and reducing inflammation, making it a great addition to any meal. Just remember, avocados are calorie-dense, so enjoying guacamole in moderation is the key to reaping all its benefits.
What can you dip in guacamole that’s healthy?
When it comes to healthy ways to enjoy guacamole, I’ve got so many favorites! I love pairing it with baked homemade tortilla chips, whole-grain crackers, or veggie chips like zucchini or sweet potato. Fresh vegetables like carrot sticks, cucumber slices, bell pepper strips, celery, grape tomatoes, radishes, or jicama sticks are also perfect. These options are low in calories, packed with nutrients, and make for a delicious, guilt-free snack with guacamole.
Is it safe to eat guacamole after its turned brown?
If my guacamole has turned brown but was made within the last 48 hours, I know it’s still safe to eat. The browning happens because of oxidation, which is just the avocado reacting to air. To help prevent this, I always squeeze some fresh lemon or lime juice over it and store it in an airtight container. If it does brown, I just scrape off the top layer to get to the fresh, green guac underneath, it’s still perfectly good and delicious!
What is the healthiest store bought guacamole?
Any organic guacamole that has no added sugars, preservatives or stabilizers will be a healthy option at the grocery store. I like store-bought guacamole brands like Wholly Guacamole, Yucatan Organic Guacamole, and Trader Joe’s Organic Guacamole.
📋 Recipe Card
Healthy Guacamole Recipe
There’s nothing I enjoy more than making my Healthy Guacamole Recipe in just 15 minutes. I serve it as a topping for my tacos, nachos, and enchiladas. The best part is that my low-calorie guac is both vegan and gluten-free, making it perfect for everyone to enjoy.
Servings: 18
Calories: 60kcal
Ingredients
- 3 ripe avocados
- 1 tbsp chipotle peppers finely diced, optional (can also use 1 seeded and diced jalapeno pepper for less heat)
- ½ onion finely diced
- 1 roma tomato seeded and diced
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
- ½ lemon juiced
- 1 lime juiced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ¼ tsp chili powder
- 1 pinch cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder optional
- ¼-½ tsp sea salt
Instructions
- Remove flesh of avocado and add to a bowl. Mash coarsely with a fork.
- Finely chop onion, tomato, chipotle peppers, and cilantro. Add to bowl.
- Squeeze lemon and lime juice over the top of the avocado. Add spices.
- Mix to combine. Add salt and cayenne pepper to taste.
Notes
- My #1 Secret Tip for making my healthy guacamole is to always use ripe avocados. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve tried to rush it with under-ripe ones, and the guac just didn’t turn out right! Now, I make sure they’re perfectly soft to the touch, and if they’re not ready, I let them ripen in a paper bag, it’s the key to that creamy, delicious texture we all love.
- I always go for fresh lime and lemon juice, it makes all the difference in flavor. Bottled versions just don’t compare when it comes to making great guac.
- If you’re sensitive to spice, skip the chipotle or cayenne, or use just a little for a mild kick. When I make this for kids, I leave out the spice altogether.
- Whether you like it smooth or chunky, mash the guac to your preferred consistency. I sometimes use a food processor, but I’m careful not to overdo it so it doesn’t turn into puree.
- I always seed my tomatoes before dicing to avoid watery guac. It’s a simple step that keeps the texture just right.
Nutrition
Serving: 2tbsp | Calories: 60kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Sodium: 37mg | Potassium: 186mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 1g
Could you use Rotel with the avocado instead of all the other ingredients question. Mark this is my first time ever making it
Hi Kendra! Do you mean the Rotel diced tomatoes + green chiles? You can use that to replace the tomatoes, onions and chipotle peppers in this recipe but you will still need the other ingredients to make this taste like a flavorful guacamole dip. Also – with the Rotel – you’ll have to adjust the proportions of the recipe so that it doesn’t turn out too watery or tomato heavy. Hope that helps!
Love the addition of chipotle peppers in this guac! It added a lovely smoky flavor which is always a welcomed flavor in this house.
Yess!! Thanks Dana – so glad you liked it!
Love guacamole and your recipe is spot on! Perfectly seasoned. YUM!
Thanks so much Angela!
This guacamole is the perfect dip for tortilla chips when you want a fresh snack.
Yes! It totally is! Glad you liked it Sharon!
I just made a batch and finished it at one go! Love this guac recipe!
Yay!! So happy to hear that Lima!
Such a delicious recipe! My whole family LOVED your version of guac and I’ll definitely be making again!
Hooray!! I’m so happy to hear that Kim! 🙂
I could eat homemade guacamole every day! Your recipe looks delicious and I just bought goat cheese so I will try stirring it in as that sounds amazing 🙂
I know right?? I’m the same way! And yes to goat cheese + guac – it’s absolutely delicious!
This recipe was so easy to make and everyone at my party loved it. Plus the best part is I have some leftover so I will be trying on our tacos tonight!
This is perfect for a party and makes great leftovers too! 🙂 So glad you all liked it!
Wow! What an amazing colour! We love guacamole and I love trying different guac recipes, can’t wait to try this one!
Thanks so much Michelle! I know you will love this recipe!
What a simple and delicious recipe! Love all of the fresh ingredients and flavors. This was a huge hit in my house. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Angela! So happy to hear your family loved it!
Anjali,
I’m always on the lookout for a good guacamole recipe. I have an avocado tree in the back yard, and always seeking a way to make sure they don’t go unused.
-Mitchell
That is so cool that you have an avocado tree! Too bad we aren’t neighbors or I would gladly take some of the avocados off your hands 🙂 Hope you enjoy the recipe!
I am a huge fan of guacamole too (no surprise there). I think it’s interesting how everyone has their own unique take…like with balsamic. I never thought to use it, but it makes perfect sense.
You should submit this post to Dipstock. It’s going on at my site right now. We’re giving away dip trays!
Yeah I was a little skeptical about the balsamic addition initially, but it was just so delicious it made total sense after that! I just submitted my recipe to Dipstock – thanks for the heads up about it!
Really great photos! I just love homemade guac. This recipe is a keeper.
Thank you so much! I know you will love it! 🙂
I love to make guacamole as a take-along to ballroom dances. This recipe looks a little spicy for my wimpy taste buds, but I’m sure I could modify so it wouldn’t make smoke come from my ears!
Oh what a wonderful idea! I’ve never made guacamole as a “to-go” dish! As for the spice level, I’d recommend not using the chipotle peppers or cayenne pepper, but the rest of the spices aren’t hot at all and just give the guac a nice flavor. Enjoy!
that may be the most beautiful guac i’ve ever seen!
awww! Thanks so much Lynn! 🙂
Gorgeous opening photo! I love guacamole too – make it all the time!
Thanks so much! If you have any favorite guacamole add-ins, I’d love to try them!